Recovering From Finger Surgery
No matter the reason for your finger surgery, it's important to precisely follow doctor's instructions following the actual procedure 1.** Your physician may provide you with the equipment needed to keep your hand and fingers in place -- including finger splints, gauze, tape and braces. If you experience severe or uncharacteristic pain following finger surgery, consult your doctor immediately.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Take either a prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate any discomfort or pain. Depending on your case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication than over-the-counter drugs.
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Create an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag. Cover the bag in a clean, dry washcloth and place over the hand for 15 minutes once every one to three hours 2.
Elevate your hand above your heart to reduce swelling and ease discomfort 2.**
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Change your hand dressing at least once every two days, if possible 1. Make sure the incision area is dry and clean, and do not apply any ointments unless instructed by your doctor.**
Tips
Speak to your doctor about getting a referral to a hand therapist after your cast, splint or brace has been removed for good. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, you have to get a prescription before meeting with a hand therapist.
Warnings
Avoid physical activity until you've been given permission to do so by your doctor.
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References
- Jennings Clinic: Hand Surgery Post-Op Instruction Sheet
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: What is Hand Therapy?
- Cleveland Clinic. Hand and wrist arthritis. Updated January 4, 2017.
- Cleveland Clinic. Arthritis of the wrist and hand. Management and treatment. Updated January 4, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Osteoarthritis (OA). Updated January 10, 2019.
- Arthritis Foundation. Tendinitis.
- Steinberg DR. Digital flexor tendinitis and tenosynovitis (trigger finger). Merck Manuals. Updated October 2018.
- InformedHealth.org. How do hands work? Updated July 26, 2018.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Nonunions.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand. Updated March 2013.
- Cleveland Clinic. Pain in your hand, wrist or elbow? When to seek help. Updated June 25, 2018.
- Arthritis Foundation. Imaging and electrodiagnostic tests.
Warnings
- Avoid physical activity until you've been given permission to do so by your doctor.
Writer Bio
Wendy Rose Gould is a professional journalist who has contributed to "Glamour" magazine and the Huffington Post, among other publications. After internships at the "Indianapolis Business Journal," "Kiwanis International" and "NUVO Newsweekly," she earned BA degrees in journalism and philosophy from Franklin College in 2008. Gould specializes in lifestyle topics.